Fans have praised Nia Long for her youthful appearance, and while the 51-year-old actress is flattered, she said it also puts a lot of pressure on her, People reports.
The actress opened up to the magazine about the constant comments about her “ageless” appearance and how it affects her.
“I so appreciate the compliment,” Long said. “But I have to tell you, there’s so much pressure in this industry to stay beautiful and to stay young. And I’m really not interested in leaning into this idea of perfection.”
Long, who’s been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, went on to say that she believes beauty isn’t solely for the young, and she wants to embrace aging.
“I am a proud 51, and eventually I’m going to age in a way where it’s obvious and I want it to happen beautifully and gracefully. I don’t really want the pressure of feeling like I have to be beautiful and perfect because I think beauty comes at any age,” she said.
Long also told People that the pressure makes her really hard on herself, as it makes her feel the need to “live up to a version of myself that was 20 years ago.”
While she can’t control others’ opinions on her beauty, Long knows she can control her views on it. To help her embrace aging unapologetically, the actress avoids “anti-aging” regimes in her beauty routine.
“I don’t do anti-aging things, or use products because I think I look old or am trying to avoid aging,” she said. “I use products to stay healthy and to keep healthy, vibrant skin. There’s a difference.”
Ultimately, the actress knows that true beauty isn’t determined by how firm or youthful your skin or body looks.
“I honestly think the real beauty comes from within,” she said. “And I know for myself, I am a work in progress. I mean, we can use all the creams, all the lotions, all the makeup in the world, but if you’re not feeling good on the inside, the beauty just isn’t radiant. It becomes sort of this superficial mask.”
